Highlighted Choice
The Substance
Director Coralie Fargeat's daring critique addresses the oppressive nature of female beauty and the feared consequences of advancing years. The veteran actress offers a masterful portrayal in the role of Elisabeth, a 50-year-old actress demoted to presenting an aerobics show on the small screen. Pushed out by her deceitful superior Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she seeks out a secretive and horrifying procedure titled this experimental method. This creates a younger clone called Sue, resulting in an increasingly vampiric relationship among both women. Friday 17 October, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10
This suspenseful thriller features Keira Knightley as Laura, an ace reporter who decides to take some time off from writing about global conflict to board a luxury cruise with an ailing wealthy inheritor and philanthropist, her partner, as well as other affluent passengers. But after an enigmatic female disappears from the ship one night and the entire crew claims she was never there, Laura's investigative instincts kick in. Out now, the Netflix platform
Presence Film
Steven Soderbergh tests his directorial skills in this innovative paranormal narrative filmed completely from the perspective of the phantom. When a household featuring mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe moves into their recent residence, the camera – AKA the Presence – shadows their actions. The daughter appears sensing the ghostly being, and the entity appears guarding her. However, the motive remains? This is an entertaining concept that remains concise, featuring a surprise that may be unexpected. October 11th, multiple showings, Sky Cinema
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
Cage embraces his unique fame in this self-referential adventure. He acts as a self-obsessed film star named Nicolas Cage who accepts a $1m payday to attend a festive event at a Mediterranean location for billionaire Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Hired by the CIA to gather intel on the suspected cartel boss, Cage's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” proves useful. Saturday 11 October, 9pm, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone Horror
The director's contained scarefest remains effective even without a sequel. Located in 1978 Denver, multiple kidnappings has rendered the local kids anxious. When Finney is kidnapped by the kidnapper and held captive in a basement, he anticipates a fatal end. Yet the disconnected phone on the wall keeps ringing, with ghostly voices offering help, and the intuitive nightmares of his sister Gwen might rescue him. A genuinely scary movie. October 11th, nighttime, Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the conflict between God and Mammon, the victory is clear for Mammon in Michael Showalter's wonderfully garish film adaptation about the fallen religious broadcaster and her felon spouse. The actor portrays the corrupt Bakker, who declares at the beginning, asserting religious justification for riches. Both individuals set about monetising the people's religious faith. It's an extravaganza of tacky decor, excessive cosmetics and insincerity, however the lead actress achieves to depict the real-life figure as a sympathetic figure. Next Tuesday, 1.15am, the Film4 channel
This Espionage Thriller
The current week's additional entry from Steven Soderbergh presents a spy mystery as tight similar to the collars worn by the actor's British agent. He is tasked to identify a double agent among the team from five suspects – including is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. The two stars excel of calm composure, leading to a delightful mental battle of truth or lie unfolds. The supporting cast participate the clever spy entertainment. This Friday, various showings, Sky Cinema
